What Is Oxidation? 

If you are not familiar with the term oxidation, you probably simply know it as rust, a common environmental problem that causes metals to degrade. The process of oxidation is driven by the presence of several things – metal, salt, dirt, and moisture. 

Your metal garage door is a prime candidate for oxidation as it has to be durable enough to stand up against the rain. This is particularly a problem for people that live near the coast as their garage doors tend to encounter higher amounts of salt. 

Oxidation is the first part of an oxidation-reduction chemical reaction. Essentially, your garage door reacts with oxygen in the air, giving an electron to the oxygen molecule. When this happens, the result is a metal oxide that remains on the surface of the door. Wet conditions and the presence of things like salt speed up this reaction. 

Can Oxidation Hurt My Garage Door?

A common question from many people is whether oxidation can hurt a garage door. Obviously, it hurts the appearance. But can more damage be done? 

The answer to this question is yes. Over time, oxidation can begin to cause significant damage to the integrity of your garage door. This impedes it from being able to keep moisture and dirt out of your garage. It can also become a safety hazard. This is why it is so important to clean oxidation from your garage door.

How to Clean Oxidation Off a Garage Door

Fortunately, you can clean oxidation from your garage door if it hasn’t gotten too bad. Simply follow the steps below in order to do this. 

1. Use water and mild detergent such as kitchen soap to clean the garage door, particularly the area that has the most oxidation. 
2. Give the door time to dry.
3. Take a sponge or clean cloth, soak it in vinegar, and use this to thoroughly wipe down the garage door, particularly focusing on oxidation. 
4. Use a wire brush or steel wool to remove and clean the oxidation. Repeat steps 3 & 4 as needed. 
5. Use a bonding agent designed to work with metal to fill any holes from the oxidation. 
6. Use a detergent mixture to clean the garage door again and allow it to dry. 
7. Use medium-grit sandpaper to sand the entire garage door. 
8. Prime and paint your garage door. 

Final Thoughts

Oxidation can destroy a garage door over time, particularly in New Zealand’s coastal areas. Fortunately, NewLook Coatings provides the services needed to make your garage door new again. While you can clean oxidation yourself, you can also outsource this task to us. Contact us today for more information.